At the beginning of the year, fuel prices rose slightly. Gasoline cost an average of 2.1 cents more than the previous week, and diesel rose by one cent. The higher CO2 tax is seen as the reason.
After the turn of the year, fuel prices rose slightly on a weekly basis. The ADAC determined this in its weekly analysis of fuel prices.
After that, Super E10 cost 2.1 cents more than the previous week and had a nationwide average of 1.728 euros. For a liter of diesel, consumers had to pay an average of 1,698 euros per liter, one cent more than before.
CO2 tax as a driver for price increases
“An increase in both fuels was to be expected given the higher CO2 tax at the turn of the year from 30 euros to 45 euros per ton,” explained the car experts. Calculated per liter, increases of 4.3 cents for gasoline and 4.7 cents for diesel were expected.
The fact that fuel prices were relatively constant in the last days of the year despite falling crude oil prices suggests that the higher CO2 tax was already somewhat anticipated. Therefore, the ADAC currently sees no basis for further increases in fuel prices.
ADAC recommends refueling late
For drivers who want to save money on refueling, the ADAC recommends refueling in the evening. According to ADAC evaluations, the cheapest time is between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., but prices are also low between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In contrast, refueling in the morning hours is usually several euros more expensive. It’s also worth comparing, as fuel prices at gas stations often vary considerably from place to place.